Childhood Lost

Children today are noticeably different from previous generations, and the proof is in the news coverage we see every day. This site shows you what’s happening in schools around the world. Children are increasingly disabled and chronically ill, and the education system has to accommodate them. Things we've long associated with autism, like sensory issues, repetitive behaviors, anxiety and lack of social skills, are now problems affecting mainstream students. Blame is predictably placed on bad parenting (otherwise known as trauma from home).

Addressing mental health needs is as important as academics for modern educators. This is an unrecognized disaster. The stories here are about children who can’t learn or behave like children have always been expected to. What childhood has become is a chilling portent for the future of mankind.

Anne Dachel, Media editor, Age of Autism

(John Dachel, Tech. assist.)

"What will happen in another 4 years? How can we go on like this? This is a national (and international) problem of monumental proportions. We have an entire new class of children who cannot be accommodated by the system: many are manifestly neurologically impaired. Meanwhile, the government and the medical profession sleep on regardless."

John Stone,

UK media editor, Age of Autism

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"The generation of American children born after 1990 are arguably the sickest generation in the history of our country."

Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.

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Danville, PA: District to shorten school day/reduce class load to improve mental health of students

Jan 24, 2020, Williamsport, PA, NorthCentralPA.com: Danville Area School District shortens school day to improve student mental health https://www.northcentralpa.com/education/high-school/danville-area-school-district-shortens-school-day-to-improve-student/article_c5f22de0-3ed2-11ea-8aae-c725730f7e65.htmlA shortened school day for Danville Area School District students aims to improve student mental health and access to support services.
The school board unanimously voted Wednesday to shorten the school day by 45 minutes starting next fall, reducing students' curriculum load by one period per day….
In part, the changes to the school day and curriculum arose in the aftermath of one middle school student's suicide on Nov. 29, 2019.
Ten high school students were hospitalized for suicidal ideations or attempted suicide this year, Principal Winn said. Approximately seven middle school students were hospitalized this year for similar reasons….
"There was an overwhelming response by students talking about stress, anxiety, depression, mental health or attempted suicides," Principal Winn said.
About 35% of students revealed they struggled with these issues, which Principal Winn said is close to the national average….
The school board also approved a new position at Wednesday's meeting: Mike Brennan was hired as a personalized learning teacher. "We've noticed such an increase in the number of students who had hospitalizations or needed more support. We are excited about the addition of a personalized learning teacher," Principal Winn said….